The Ladies’ Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Renton Post 1263, is sponsoring several essay contests for students grades 3 through 12, including home-schooled students.

The themes this year are:

• Youth Essay (grades 3-5) “My Thanks to America’s Armed Forces,” 250 words

• Patriotic Pen (grades 6-8) “Why America’s Veterans Should be Honored” 300-400 words

• Voice of Democracy (grades 9-12) “Services and Sacrifice by America’s Veterans Benefits Today’s Youth by _____.”

To obtain an essay and entry form, contact the Cassie Babcock, Ladies’ Auxiliary president at 425-255-0748 or Karen Boswell, junior vice president, 425-228-2355.

Completed essay and entry forms are due by midnight Nov. 1.